After
considering the characteristics of social responsibility and its relationship
with sustainable development (Clause 3), it is suggested that an organization
should review the principles of social responsibility described in Clause 4. In
practising social responsibility, organizations should respect and address
these principles, along with the principles specific to each core subject
(Clause 6).
Before
analysing the core subjects and issues of social responsibility, as well as
each of the related actions and expectations (Clause 6), an organization should
consider two fundamental practices of social responsibility: recognizing its
social responsibility within its sphere of influence, and identifying and
engaging with its stakeholders (Clause 5).
Once
the principles have been understood, and the core subjects and relevant and
significant issues of social responsibility have been identified, an
organization should seek to integrate social responsibility throughout its
decisions and activities, using the guidance provided in Clause 7. This
involves practices such as : making social responsibility integral to its
policies, organizational culture, strategies and operations ; building internal
competency for social responsibility ; undertaking internal and external
communication on social responsibility ; and regularly reviewing these actions
and practices related to social responsibility.
Further
guidance on the core subjects and integration practices of social
responsibility is available from authoritative sources (Bibliography) and from
various voluntary initiatives and tools (some global examples of which are
presented in Annex A).
When
approaching and practising social responsibility, the overarching goal for an
organization is to maximize its contribution to sustainable development. ISO
26000 Social Responsibility- Benefits
According
to the ‘international organization for standardization’, a good organizational
performance on social responsibility can have a positive impact in:
·
HR,
as it attracts and retains workers, members, clients, and users;
·
Marketing
and customer engagement, since it improves brand reputation;
·
Increasing
the commitment and productivity of employees;
·
The
relationships with stakeholders such as governments, the media, other companies
and communities and their perceptions on the organization’s performances and
commitments.
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